An ex-con just can't catch a break in this character-rich drama from the pen of Walter Mosley, the author of the popular Easy Rawlins mysteries. Laurence Fishburne is the former jailbird who is determined to stay out of the pen. That isn't easy for a man who won't back down from trouble and somehow there is always trouble. "Gorillas in the Mist" (1988) director Michael Apted helmed the production which also stars Bill Cobb, Natalie Cole and Laurie Metcalf.

If you're a Walter Moseley fan, you have to watch this movie co-written by him. Laurence Fishbourne is perfect as Socrates Fortlow. He reminded me of many of the seething men in my neighborhood. Bill Cobb is equally good as his friend.